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The guy had arms like tree trunks, but I could take him. But God only knew how many others might be out in the hall, waiting to jump in if necessary. It made me feel impotent. All I could do was sit there and listen to Von tear us apart while hundreds of millions of people watched.
“Kira and Wyatt have twisted what is supposed to be a beautiful game. Shifters come on this show to find love and hope and happiness. Yet, here these two are, screwing their brains out behind everyone’s backs, throwing all the other contestants under the bus to ensure they end up with fame, riches, and honorary membership to the First Pack. All without facing any real danger or searching for genuine love.”
“No real danger?” Wyatt snapped. “Are you shitting me?” He stood and leveled a finger at Von. “You can make up whatever shit you want about me and Kira, but the people back home will never have the full story. Not if it comes from your bloodstained lips. All you do is lie.”
Von put a hand to his chest and opened his mouth in overdramatic shock. “How dare you, sir? You think you can besmirch my good name? All I do is broadcast the truth.” Von pointed at Wyatt, then at me. “What I know is that there will be repercussions. I have no idea what they will be, but something will need to be done. You two have thrown off the balance of the game since the moment you got here.”
“This is bullshit,” I muttered, crossing my arms.
Von ran a hand down his suit, smoothing out non-existent wrinkles. “You may think that now, but we’ll see what you say in a few hours.” He turned to the cameras, that showman smile of his back in place. “In a move never before seen onThe Reject Project, I will be summoning the showrunners here to Bloodstone Island so we can discuss how to proceed. I suggest everyone tune in a few hours from now for a once-in-a-lifetime episode. You don’t want to miss this.”
Von swept his hand at the cameras and they fled from the room. The vampire slid a phone from his suit pocket and quickly swiped and tapped it a few times. His smile widened and he pumped his fist.
“That wasfantastic,” he said, looking up at us.
“What was?” I spat. Our worldwide humiliation? “You’ve got a lot of fucking nerve to—”
“The ratings,” Von interrupted, waving his phone at us. “We’re already getting initial numbers in. They went through the roof during that little fiasco. This is very exciting. Audience engagement on social media is like nothing we’ve ever seen before. My gods, look at all these comments in the last few seconds alone.” He looked like a kid in a toy store with a blank check.
“Everyonehatesyou two right now,” he continued gleefully. “Most people think Wyatt is a scumbag and that Kira is a… well, let’s see what terms they’re using.” He scanned his phone. “Looks like ‘whore’ and ‘slut’ are two popular euphemisms, along with ‘backstabber’ and ‘bitch.’” He shoved his phone into his pocket. “This could not be going better.”
“So treating us like shit is good for the show? Why am I not surprised?” Wyatt said.
Von rolled his eyes. “Wyatt, Wyatt, Wyatt. This is show business. When you have a hook, you have to use it, really dig it in deep. Once it’s there, the audience can never look away. Plus, that was all live. The reaction?” He snapped his fingers. “Instantaneous. It goes to show that we have what is possibly the most successful season yet. You two should be happy.”
“Happy?” Wyatt growled and took an angry step toward Von. The bodyguard moved to intercept, giving Wyatt a warning shake of the head.
“Yes, happy. Everyone involved should be happy with our success. Though…” Von put a thoughtful finger to his chin. “I’m not sure how long either of you will remain on the show. The showrunners will be very upset about this getting out.”
“They must have known,” I said. How could Von possibly think they hadn’t? Everyone from my pack watching would have known immediately.
Von sighed dramatically and looked at me like I was an idiot. “Of course theyknew, sweet woman. You think this is the first time we’ve had contestants who knew each other? In thirty-one seasons? You cannot be that dense. No, they’ll be upset that the news leaked out to the public.”
It was like someone had shoved an electric cable into my brain. “You’re the one who told!” I screamed. I had to be going crazy.
Von rolled his eyes. ”Well, yes. You two pissed me off, so… I don’t like to be played with, you see.” He narrowed his eyes. “I’m not a toy for silly wolf games. As soon as Mr. Rivers here told me your little secret, I wanted to use it for the show, but you two decided to act like you were at each other’s throats. You forced my hand, really. Had you two played the game the right way, we could have had fun with it. But now? Things have escalated.
“A word of advice. Never screw with a vampire. When you’ve lived as long as I have, you learn to hold a grudge. Also, prepare yourselves to be called into the meeting with the showrunners. They’ll want you there when they discuss how to handle these issues.”
Wyatt and I shared an incredulous look. Wyatt pointed at Von again. “Butyoutold.You. Like Kira said, you’ll be in trouble, too.”
Von waved him away and smirked. “I’m the star, darling. Stars don’t get in trouble.”
“Aren’t we the stars as well?” I asked.
Von stifled a laugh. “Of this season? Yes. Of the entire show? Afraid not.”
“Gods, you really don’t give a fuck about us. I bet you actually enjoy watching us die out there,” Wyatt said.
Von’s face grew somber and he pressed a hand to his heart. “Wyatt, that hurts. I’ve lived for centuries, and the years and lives flit by more rapidly each time the calendar page turns. It’s nothing personal. Mortal deaths are like changes in the weather for me. You must see that. It’s part of nature. Do I cry when a leaf falls from a tree in autumn? No. Do I weep when the snow melts in spring? Of course not. But make no mistake, I genuinely like the two of you.”
“Seriously?” I tilted my head. “You could have fooled us.”
“Oh, of course. You two have made this season very exciting, and if there’s one thing the undead love, it’s excitement. After living for centuries, we’re rarely surprised anymore. The living always think they’re special or one of a kind, when in reality, you’re all simply retreads of someone who lived a few decades or centuries ago. My life will get much less exhilarating when you two are knocked off the show, believe me. Which I’m sure will be any day now,” he added offhandedly.
Wyatt yanked his shirt off the floor. “I’m glad we could entertain you.”
Pulling out his phone again, Von grinned. “Thanks are not necessary. You two should go ahead and get dressed. I just received confirmation that the showrunners are heading to the helicopters and will be arriving within the hour. These areveryrich andverypowerful people. I doubt you’ll want to meet them in your current state of undress.”
